If your a parent with HIV/Aids. Would and when would you tell your child he/she has the Virus?

Question

its for a paper concerning the awareness of an individual that he/she has the virus in order to keep it from spreading

Answer 1

As soon as I found out---like days later.

Or if I found and they were young I would tell when they were old enuff to understnad. Like at age 5-6. That mommy is SICK and needs help from doctors. And meds.

Until they were like 12-15 and could understand. ALWAYS talk to your children to help prevent the same thing happening.

Answer 2

I would tell my child that I was sick and would need to rest a lot. But, that is only for the parent's illness. I would need to explain about the child's blood to the school nurse, and to the child. If the child is an infant, I would need to explain it very early to those around the child. This is because, the child would need diaper changes, would vomit, would spit up, as all children do......................but, all of these 'normal' things would be dangerous for caregivers, etc.. I have cared for very young children in a school setting, where the children had HIV and just changing their diapers, and feeding the little guys was a real challenge. I was the one who DID do it, as the rest of the teachers were afraid to do it. I took precautions, and gave them mega close holding loving times. The child must be told as soon as the child can possibly understand that precautions need to be taken. What if the child is a biter? Two year olds with issues have a way of doing that. What if the child does NOT understand that death is death? Death is a hard thing for a child under 4, to normally understand. This is such a hard question.

Answer 3

I was infected with HIV when my 2 sons were 1 & 2, but didn't find out about it until they were 5 & 6. I chose not to tell them because it was 1990, still early in the days of the virus, and we didn't know as much about it as we do now. Then, many people died within 10 years of infection.

I wanted them to have as normal a childhood as possible. I didn't want them to worry about me keeling over any minute. Children sometimes turn into caregivers, and I was the mom, the caregiver- not either of them.

I told them when they were in middle school, and still, in 1996/97, there was still a lot of stigma associated with the virus. Disclosure is a very personal thing, and they were the last people I kept the from knowing my status. Once they knew, I didn't care who knew. I wanted to be the one to tell them and assure them that I was doing everything possible to keep my health.

I am still healthy, although in 1995 had progressed to AIDS. When I told the boys, I let them know they were free to tell others if they wanted, but to be prepared for backlash. Luckily, neither they nor I have had negative experiences with disclosure. They are now adults and have moved away from home, but I see them often and we have a wonderful relationship.

Answer 4

When your child is small like 7-9 yrz jus tell him/her thet u are not well and as he grows up and matures thats by the time he is 12-13 introduce him to the concept of Aids or mayb he alrdy knoes and tell him 2 b strong and then tell your child he has the virus...it may take him some time 2 recover from this so it is really imp that u suppourt your child in those times

Answer 5

If you are a parent with HIV, your child does not necessarily have HIV as well.

HIV is passed on from mother to child only 25 per cent of the time in the worst case scenario - an infected pregnant mother who does not get treatment to prevent infection of the baby.

HIV is not usually passed directly from father to child, unless the mother also gets infected.

If I had a child with HIV I would tell him or her about it gradually, and according to his or her needs and their ability to understand the concepts involved.

HIV positive children need to understand about sexual and blood transmission at the appropriate time, but in young children helping them to deal with prejudice and regular medical attention are probably going to be a more salient issue.

Answer 6

Well, no time is the best time. I feel sad that you are placed in such a situation. But, your child needs to know and that's the bottom line. This isn't an issue that can be sugar coated. Your child should be notified. The reaction will be traumatic to you and your child. Find an avenue that your child can relate to and then take him/her aside, in private, and just let them what you know. What choice do you have?? You have to let your child know !! God Bless to you and your family.

Answer 7

wow tough one..but its safe to say a child first starts learning about what the virus is in probably 6th grade..now it might be too long to wait..but any younger than that and I dont personally believe they'll understand. they will understand they are sick..but i dont think they fully understand the extent of it..

Answer 8

when he/she's mentally prepared. but as early as possible and will eventually let her know about this virus but not suddenly telling her everything and cause a great shock for her. it's the truth so face it.

Answer 9

as soon as the child was mentally old enough to handal such a shocker.I won't put an age on it because children age differently.

Answer 10

when the child is able to understand what it is or mature enough.so really its no certain age.some young kids or mature and some older kids or not.so it all depends on the child.